Course Description: College Expository Writing I and II offer opportunities to level up your writing while earning real college credit. In this class, you’ll practice clear, confident writing by studying grammar, style, and effective techniques. You’ll read engaging nonfiction texts, make connections, and turn your ideas into strong, thesis-driven papers. You’ll write in several different styles—summary, response, critique, research, synthesis, and analysis—while learning how to revise like a pro. Through dual enrollment with Middlesex College, you can earn three (3) credits each semester. If you’re motivated, enjoy a good challenge, and want a head start on college writing, this class is a perfect fit.

Course Instructor: Ms. Rebecca Rouantree

Course Description: Welcome to Graphic Novel, the class where your teacher will actually encourage you to doodle in your notebook! Whether you draw like a pro or struggle with stick figures, everyone is welcome here. You’ll create characters, design panels, and write stories that jump off the page. Whether you dream of becoming an illustrator or just want an excuse to doodle without getting in trouble, this class has you covered.

Course Instructor: Mr. Mark McElgunn

Course Description: This year-long elective will benefit juniors and seniors that are preparing for standardized testing as they embark upon the college entrance process. The highly focused writing skills that will be obtained throughout the year will be tips, guidelines and prompts that address past SAT, ACT, Subject Area SAT exams and the ASVAB Exam. Students will also research and prepare for specific college entrance exam requirements. Individuals will also be exposed to guest speakers from various professions that highlight the necessary writing skills they need to be successful. The class will gain perspective and understanding of the myriad of ways in which writing is necessary for today’s careers. We will examine the technological world of the 21st Century and analyze how websites and social media have played into the professional scope. The culminating portfolio will be a project highlighting examples of personalized exemplars that students can bring to professional and educational interviews. These pieces will demonstrate their writing capabilities in different modalities, showcasing pertinent skills when seeking admission or an internship position.

Course Instructor: Ms. Julie Mercier

Course Description: Mass & Social Media is a hands-on storytelling course for students who want to share ideas, explore creativity, and tell stories that matter. You’ll learn how to shape powerful stories while choosing topics and styles that reflect your interests — from sports and culture to people in your school and community. Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with different forms of media, including journalistic storytelling, podcasting, videography, photography, and digital media. You’ll have the chance to publish your work in the school newspaper, The Banner, helping document real moments in your school’s history. The course also offers exciting real-world opportunities to interview and connect with interesting and influential people from both inside and outside the school community.

Course Instructor: Mr. Chris Rotolo

Course Description: Enter if you dare. Our Monsters & Villains course pulls you into the places where fear is born, and the line between human and monster begins to blur. You will investigate how terrifying figures come to life, why they refuse to disappear, and what their presence exposes about the world that created them. Through unsettling stories and eerie moments on screen, you’ll dig into the forces that make something truly frightening—and why we keep returning to the darkness. In the end, you may find the most unsettling discoveries come from understanding ourselves.

Course Instructor: Ms. Mary Hanna

Course Description: Ever walked out of a theater feeling like your brain just exploded or your heart got absolutely wrecked (in the best way)? That's what Movies That Matter is all about.

We dive into films that entertain and challenge us: social justice powerhouses like Just Mercy, coming-of-age stories about belonging, dystopian futures that feel way too real, horror films that reveal what society fears most, and international cinema that proves great storytelling has no borders. This isn't passive watching; you'll analyze, debate, and discover why certain films hit so hard while others fade away. 

Grab your popcorn. Let's watch something that matters. 

Course Instructor: Ms. Wendy Pierre

Course Description: Get ready to explore the amazing stories people have told for thousands of years, explaining the world around them. In this course, we’ll look at myths from various cultures, and discover what they teach about life, beliefs, and human nature. We’ll study gods, goddesses, mythic heroes, tricksters, and look at how these figures appear in stories, movies, and media today. No prior knowledge required—just curiosity about the stories that shaped and continue to shape our world today.

Course Instructor: Ms. Rebecca Rouantree

Course Description: Welcome to Screenwriting, the class where your ideas finally make it to the big screen. Have you ever watched a movie and thought, I could write something better than this? Great, this is your chance to prove it! You’ll learn how to craft scenes, write snappy dialogue, and build stories that will make your friends laugh, cry, or stay on the edge of their seat. By the end, you’ll have your own script pages that are perfect for impressing friends or starting many heated debates about plot twists.

Course Instructor: Mr. Mark McElgunn

Course Description: Ready to stand up and deliver your argument? This course teaches you how to speak with confidence, build powerful arguments, and perform with style. You’ll learn oral communication skills, craft strong, persuasive cases, and get real practice presenting to classmates and small groups. By the end, you’ll know how to persuade, entertain, and lead — whether you’re speaking up in class, at a club practice, or on a bigger stage.

Course Highlights

• Class debates where you defend ideas, think on your feet, and win audiences

• Interpretive speaking — perform scenes, recite poetry, or deliver famous speeches with drama or humor

• Original orations — write and present your own speeches that showcase your voice

• Real, supportive practice that builds stage confidence and sharpens your thinking

Course Instructor: Mr. Thomas Wiley

Course Description: The Tomorrow's Teachers Program is an elective course where students explore the teaching profession, gaining experience through classroom observation, assistance at elementary schools, and activities like Teacher Appreciation, preparing them for future roles in education.

What the NBTHS Tomorrow's Teachers Program Involves:

• In-School Course: Students take a dedicated course to learn about teaching.

• Practical Experience: They get hands-on opportunities, such as assisting at local elementary schools.

• Teacher Appreciation: The program actively participates in school events, such as Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Mentorship: Students work closely with their high school teachers to develop teaching skills. 

Course Instructor: Ms. Julie Mercier

Course Description: Love being creative and working on something everyone will see? In Yearbook Design, you’ll help create Daedalus, the official NBTHS yearbook! You’ll learn real journalism skills, design eye-catching layouts, write engaging stories, snap great photos (yes, your phone counts!), and polish pages until they’re ready for print. It’s a fast-paced, team-driven class where every student plays an important role. Because we work on real deadlines, you’ll sometimes pitch in after school—but the final product is totally worth it. If you enjoy writing, designing, collaborating, or just being part of something big, this class is for you!

Course Instructor: Ms. Rebecca Rouantree